Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) vs Sony WH-CH720N
The Verdict
Apple's AirPods Max deliver premium sound quality with dual H1 chips enabling computational audio, dynamic EQ, and seamless spatial audio with head tracking across Apple devices. Sony's WH-CH720N prioritizes value and practicality, offering exceptional 35-hour battery life (50 hours ANC off), multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, and LDAC codec support at roughly one-third the price. Build quality favors Apple's aluminum and stainless steel construction, while Sony wins on weight (192g vs 385g) and wired fallback capability. For Apple ecosystem users prioritizing audio immersion, AirPods Max justify premium pricing. However, Sony delivers superior versatility, longer endurance, and broader device compatibility for most users. Sony WH-CH720N represents significantly better value for general consumers, while AirPods Max suit dedicated Apple aficionados.
Who Should Buy
Buy the Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) if…
- →Exceptional sound quality with rich, detailed, balanced audio
- →Best-in-class ANC that rivals top over-ear headphones
- →Spatial Audio with head tracking is immersive and seamless
Buy the Sony WH-CH720N if…
- →Exceptional 35-hour battery life with ANC is class-leading
- →Ultra-lightweight at 192 g for comfortable all-day wear
- →LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio
Category Scores
Pros & Cons
Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen)
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality with rich, detailed, balanced audio
- Best-in-class ANC that rivals top over-ear headphones
- Spatial Audio with head tracking is immersive and seamless
- Premium aluminium and steel build quality feels genuinely luxurious
- Seamless and instant switching within the Apple ecosystem
Cons
- Very heavy at 385 g — can cause fatigue during long listening sessions
- Lightning charging is outdated (1st gen)
- No Bluetooth multipoint and limited functionality outside Apple ecosystem
- No hard case included — soft Smart Case does not protect well
- Premium price is hard to justify over cheaper alternatives
Sony WH-CH720N
Pros
- Exceptional 35-hour battery life with ANC is class-leading
- Ultra-lightweight at 192 g for comfortable all-day wear
- LDAC codec support for high-resolution wireless audio
- Multipoint Bluetooth for seamless dual-device switching
- Solid noise cancellation at a very competitive $149 price
Cons
- ANC is noticeably weaker than premium XM5 headphones
- 30mm drivers produce smaller, less dynamic soundstage
- Plastic build feels cheap compared to premium Sony models
- No water resistance for gym or outdoor use
- Ear cushions are thinner and less comfortable than XM5
Full Specifications
| Spec | Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen) | Sony WH-CH720N |
|---|---|---|
| Active Noise Cancelling | ||
| Type | over-ear | over-ear |
| Weight | 385 g | 192 g |
| Battery | ||
| Battery life | 20 hrs (ANC and Spatial Audio on) | 35 hrs (ANC on), 50 hrs (ANC off), 3 min = 1 hr playback |
| Charging | Lightning | USB-C |
| Drivers | 40 mm Apple-designed dynamic driver | 30mm |
| Features | Apple H1 chip per earcup (two chips total), Computational audio for dynamic EQ and ANC, Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, Seamless Apple device switching, Aluminum earcups and stainless steel headband, Smart Case | Adaptive Sound Control, Speak-to-Chat automatic pause, DSEE upscaling for compressed audio, Multipoint Bluetooth, Sony Headphones Connect app with EQ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wired option | ||
| Codecs | AAC, SBC | AAC, SBC, LDAC |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 | 5.2 |
| Multipoint | ||
| Water Resistance | None | None |
Related Comparisons
This comparison is based on verified manufacturer specifications covering display, performance, camera, battery, and build quality. Scores are generated by analyzing specs across weighted categories on a 10-point scale. Learn more about our methodology.
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